Sunderland coach Oatway defends goal-shy strikers

Steven Fletcher, Jozy Altidore and even derby hero Fabio Borini have scored fewer goals between them than the number of own goals the club have conceded under Gus Poyet.

But Oatway said: "You could say we’re trying to be too patient with the ball and not getting it up front quick enough. You could say they aren’t taking their chances, they aren’t clinical enough.

"You can’t just rely on the same players. When you’re playing with centre-forwards you can’t just keep playing them. They need a break at times.

"Steven is no different to anyone else. He’s been out on the training ground on a daily basis doing shooting practice. Fabio is a great player and I’m sure he will score more goals. Jozy is a very confident young man.

"When you come off the pitch and haven’t scored, as a centre-forward, then I’m sure you are down and upset. That’s natural."